Facilitating police–minority youth attitude change: The effects of cooperation within a competitive context and exposure to typical exemplars

Abstract

Abstract Previous community programs have been unsuccessful in changing youths' attitudes toward police, and have thus far not addressed police attitudes toward youth. In this pilot study, police (n = 26) competed together with minority youths (n = 51) on heterogeneous basketball teams. Pre‐ and postintervention attitudes toward youths/officers and posttest attitudes toward team members were examined. Police reported positive ratings of out‐group team members, and demonstrated a positive shift in attitude toward minority youth in general. Generalization of positive attitude was more likely when officers perceived their team members as typical exemplars of minority youth. Minority youths did not show a significant improvement in attitude toward police but reported favorable attitudes toward team members. Results suggest that a short‐term competitive tournament exposing individuals to typical exemplars may be effective for addressing hostile police attitudes toward minority youths. A controlled study is recommended to replicate and expand on our findings. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.